The Good-The Steelers had much to be proud of on this night, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2011. QB Ben Roethlisberger overcame a stomach virus, going 24 of 38 for 317 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception with a 96.1 passer rating. Ben finished the season tied for the league lead in passing yards at 4,952, setting a new Steelers record. Ben had tremendous help from the offensive line which did not allow a sack. The defense pitched in, too. DE Cam Heyward, LB Shaun Spence and LB Jason Worilds each registered a sack. CB Brice McCain had not 1 but 2 interceptions. CB Antwon Blake came up with a key fumble recovery on a 4th quarter drive that set up the 63 yard touchdown pass from Ben to WR Antonio Brown to seal the victory. Speaking of AB, kudos to him for another outstanding performance. He returned a punt 71 yards in the 1st quarter for his first TD return of the season. He also caught 7 passes for 128 yards and 1 touchdown. As a matter of fact, give AB the game ball for his Pro Bowl-season. #84 became the first Steelers receiver in history to lead the league in receiving yards with 1,698 and receptions with 129 on his way to 13 TDs. Yes, there is no doubt in anyone's minds what Brown can do for the Steelers. Way to go, AB!
The Bad-There were 2 things that were bad about this game. First and foremost is the knee injury suffered by Steelers MVP RB Le'Veon Bell. An MRI yesterday showed no structural damage, thankfully. However, the word is it's a hyperextended knee and makes Bell doubtful for Saturday's showdown with the Baltimorons. Only time will tell if he's feeling better as the week progresses, whether or not Bell will suit up for the game. The other "bad" was that awful fake punt that led to a 4th quarter interception by P Brad Wing. Seriously, you're clinging to a 20-17 4th quarter lead at your opponent's 45 yard line and you want to try a fake punt on 4th and 9? I know, I know, if the fake were successful, we'd all be singing the praises of the Genius Mike Tomlin. But it wasn't and we're not. It's boneheaded moves like this that make Mrs. Black-N-Gold want to check Coach Cliche's credentials.
The Ugly-I could take the easy route and say it's the Baltimorons and the majority of their moronic fans but that's just being lazy. Instead, I'll say that it will be VERY ugly on Saturday night if the Steelers don't develop a Plan B should Bell not answer the bell on Saturday. Is it practice squad RB Josh Harris? Rookie RB Dri Archer? Or both? Either way, the Steelers cannot allow themselves to be one-dimensional against such a formidable opponent as the Baltimorons.
Remember, it's one and done. All of Steeler Nation looks forward to this highly anticipated rematch against the much-disliked Baltimorons. See you Saturday night. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
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